"Fifteen thousand eight-riel silver coins? Are those broken ships in the Ming Dynasty worth this price? They are simply crazy!"
A few days later, at the Ming-Holland negotiation table, Reyoz, the envoy sent by Cohen, the governor of the Dutch East India Company, became angry when he heard the amount of compensation proposed by the Fujian side and complained to Gullit, who was acting as an interpreter.
Opposite them sat the commander-in-chief Yu Zigao. On the left were several armored generals and guerrillas, as well as Ming side interpreters. On the right were Xu Xinsu, Zheng Haizhu and Zheng Zhilong.
Yu Zigao, who guessed what the Dutch meant without waiting for the people on his side to translate, curled his lips: "Miss Zheng, it seems that red hair is really too expensive."
Zheng Haizhu nodded and told Gullit to listen, but his eyes were fixed on Reyoz: "Mr. Ruffin, who fled back to Batavia, should have reported to Governor Cohen to defeat those of you with five masts and dozens of people." The Galen ships with cannons are our small broken ships. If he did not truthfully state the battle situation, there are still many Dutch prisoners on Kinmen Island. You can ask your own people again. "
Reyoz's green eyes showed that he was very hot as the commander of the fleet, but his arrogance was not strong.
Who told these people from the Ming Dynasty across the way to tell the truth?
His own fleet is indeed unsatisfactory.
Gullit, who was close to Chi Chi, could feel that the officer next to him, who was higher than Ruffin, was breathing heavily in and out of his nose. He had to hold back without lifting the table.
Of course Gullit also felt more aggrieved than ever before.
But speaking of it, the disaster started when he introduced Zheng Haizhu to Lu Fen, which led to the conspiracy of the Ming people step by step. At this moment, Gulit least wanted the negotiations to break down. If the Ming people held captives, or even killed them, and the relationship between the two countries completely broke down, his family honor in Amsterdam would be completely ruined.
"General," Gulit said to Yu Zigao, "I also saw the battle scene that day. The number that Mrs. Zheng mentioned just now is equivalent to more than ten thousand taels of silver, which is too much. Governor Cohen authorized The amount we agree to pay is no more than five thousand eight-riel silver coins. General Yu, can you please speak to the highest official in Fujian."
Yu Zigao moved the ivory finger that he usually used to hold the bow string, and said calmly: "Then you continue to talk. When the negotiation is completed, write it down and I will submit it to our governor for review."
The meaning is very clear. I have my identity, and the governor will not accept your misfortune. You can bargain with my subordinates.
Gulit cursed secretly and had no choice but to look at Zheng Haizhu and Zheng Zhilong again.
Zheng Haizhu recited the number twice, chatted with Zheng Zhilong for a moment, raised his head and said to the Dutch: "When the silver coins come in, we have to smelt and inspect them, which is complicated. The number of silver coins can be reduced by 60%, and you can use the ship you are detained in Kinmen. Cannons are offered as discount."
She patted Zheng Zhilong beside her and said: "We have maintained commercial transactions with the artillery factory of Frankie in Macau, and are very familiar with the prices of various artillery. This Mr. Zheng has boarded the ship many times in the past month. I am very grateful to you." The large and small iron cannons of the two ships were valued, and they could barely be deducted from 10,000 silver coins."
Gullit's face became even more ugly, and he forced himself to translate it to Reyoz, who really disagreed.
Damn it, the Ming Dynasty people collected all the heavy matchlock guns, isn't it enough?
"Tell them we can make some new ones for them." Reyoz ordered Gulit in an angry voice.
Zheng Haizhu was very insistent and said bluntly: "I don't want new ones, I'm afraid they will be deceptive goods. I want the cast iron cannons on your ship to be unloaded."
"Then, please agree to our request for exclusive trading rights in Taiwan."
"Why? Gulit, do you think we Ming people are fools? Other Europeans can transport more silver than you Dutch people."
"Then, Mrs. Zheng, can Tainan's Taiyuan Port be opened up as an exclusive port for us? Just like the privileges you gave the Portuguese in Haojing."
"Gullit, sooner or later Macau will take back our Ming Dynasty. If you Dutch are not angry enough, go to Luzon and kill the Spaniards. You can even go to North and South America to grab territory and happily build your own exclusive port. Don't even think about it in the Ming Dynasty. Just like other foreign merchants, transporting money to trade goods, buying ship guides, and paying taxes are all in accordance with our Ming Dynasty rules. Otherwise, it's not as simple as us not releasing the prisoners. Instead, you can only go back to Batavia, where you will wait eagerly to see if any trading ships will transport goods."
"Alas," Gulit sighed, "Mrs. Zheng, how many ship guides does your country give us every year?"
"During the three years after the agreement is signed, thirty pieces will be issued each year, each worth five hundred taels of silver, which is approximately six hundred eight-riel silver coins."
"By paying this money, can we guarantee that our ships will not be attacked in Ming waters?"
Hearing this, Zheng Haizhu smiled: "Gulit, the ship's guide is a trade license from our court, not a way to pay for the pirates."
After she stopped laughing, she said meaningfully: "Gullit, you Dutch people should know better than anyone else, how can the army clear the ocean? Even God doesn't know how many pirates there are in the vast ocean."
Gullit grimaced: "Oh my god, if you don't allow our merchant ships to carry a sufficient number of cannons to enter the port for trade, wouldn't it be easy for us to fall into the hands of pirates in the East and South Ocean?"
"There is no other way. There are risks in doing business. You can also choose to go back to raising cows."
Gullit couldn't stand it anymore and was about to explode. Zheng Zhilong raised his hand to stop the tit-for-tat confrontation between Zheng Haizhu and the Dutchman.
"Gentlemen of the Netherlands," Zheng Zhilong said calmly, "you may also consider hiring Chinese armed ships to escort the voyage, or purchase a pass recognized by all parties at sea. This is a story for later. Today, if you are wise, you should first Cherish the opportunity to still do business in Fujian and Taiwan."
The three of them were quarreling and talking in Chinese, and Yu Zigao understood everything.
Very good, let's go back and let Zheng Yiguan and Xu Xinsu go to demarcate the territory. Yan Siqi will collect the money from the flag in the east, and Yu Zigao will collect the money from the flag in the west. We can afford to raise some elite navy personnel and be more comfortable.
The navy chief waved his hand and said, "It's almost time. Our governor has to go back to Fuzhou."
Gulit only felt exhausted, and it would be easier to go to jail in Kinmen.
He had no choice but to analyze the pros and cons to Chief Reyoz with some serious words.
Reyoz was silent for a long time with a livid face, and finally nodded.
After finishing the draft of the bilingual compensation agreement and trade agreement, Zhang Yanke opened the curtain and walked out of the back hall. He picked up the rice paper with freshly dried ink and walked out of the negotiation room expressionlessly.
"Come, drink tea, drink tea," Mr. Yu suddenly became active and greeted the Dutchman with a smile, "This is the black tea you like to drink. Miss Zheng also specially said to prepare some cakes and drink it with the tea. Come, You're welcome, we in Ming Dynasty pay most attention to hospitality."
Reyoz was furious because the fragrant sweet potato pancakes sprinkled with sesame seeds tasted bitter.
After a few cups of tea, Zhang Yanke came back.
"Governor Shang, please come over and stamp your seal."
Before having dinner together, Zheng Haizhu went to the crowd to find Gullit and told him about buying whale oil.
"Just now, our governor has told Mr. Reyoz that he knows about it. I will sign another order with you later, and the delivery place will be Bengang, Taiwan. But I don't have any money to give you. How about trading our cotton with black tea?" "
Gullit rolled his eyes: "If the price is fair, there's nothing wrong with it."
Then he said coldly: "Zheng, don't you hate me? Are you still doing business with me?"
Zheng Haizhu felt it was funny and had goosebumps. This big red-haired brother feels really good about himself.
"Gulit, you are not my lover. When you are unwilling, oh no, when you are unable to help your company's fleet invade my compatriots, how can there be any love or hate between you and me? We only talk about interests. "
Gullit stared at her and shook his head after a moment: "I have never seen a lady as thick-skinned as you."
…
At noon the next day, Yu Zigao led several generals and Zheng Zhilong, who knew Western artillery, to Kinmen, dismantled the artillery and released the prisoners.
Zheng Haizhu was invited by Zhang Yanke to the post house where Zhou Zuo was staying in Shang Dynasty.
"Master, I have something to ask you. I can't guess it."
On the way, Zhang Yanke felt a little worried.
Zheng Haizhu said: "What are you afraid of? I have never done anything bad. I am about to recommend Lu Xiangsheng to Mr. Shang. He may become a Jinshi in the next few years."
Zhang Yanke said angrily: "My brother and I are the ones who give you money to do good deeds. Why don't you say something nice to my brother?"
】
Zheng Haizhu was speechless: "Your brother is the legitimate son of the Zhang family. You and the businessman are so close, why does your brother need me to speak kindly to Mr. Shang?"
Then he suddenly said seriously: "Third Young Master, the eldest Young Master is really a gentleman, but I still say the same thing. When it comes to being a young general and a passionate minister, you are more suitable. I don't know how happy I am to see you accompanying the governor on business this time. Well, of course, it’s not based on passing the imperial examination, but based on family connections.”
Zhang Yanke felt that it was very pleasant to hear. When he heard the last sentence, Yang Zuo said with a straight face: "Auntie, you killed me more cruelly than you killed Hongmao. I rely on my real skills. My craftsmanship is definitely not as good as Lu Xiangsheng's. I'm a nerd, but I'm resourceful. Last year, the court wanted to give the official of Taipu Temple to Mr. Shang, but the official who was impeached was also from Shaoxing. Naturally, I was furious and told Mr. Shang, Mr. Taipu Temple. Although you have an important position and a fat salary, you can't go, otherwise it will turn into a feud between cliques. You see, after waiting patiently for so long, I was transferred to Fujian as a governor, and my rank has improved."
Zhang Yanke's face was full of pride, but Zheng Haizhu's heart was suddenly wiped dry like the fog on a mirror.
She guessed what Shang Zhouzuo was going to ask.
…
"Miss Zheng, have you ever dealt with Xu Dahua?"
Shang Zhouzuo asked Zheng Haizhu straight to the point.
Zheng Haizhu was accustomed to the questioning habits of those in high positions.
They won't lay out the background, won't reveal their emotions, and won't let you easily figure out their favorite answers.
However, before Zheng Haizhu stepped into the post house, she also wanted to understand that a red-robed civil servant like Shang Zhou Zuo might not be as familiar with the order of the ocean world outside the country as she was, but the ups and downs of the court members could not be unknown. the whole story.
Therefore, when Shang Zhouzuo asked about Xu Dahua's question, he would rather listen to his position than to listen to the facts.
Zheng Haizhu firmly believed that his position was correct, but he could show his greenness in front of a sophisticated Ming civil servant like Shang Zhouzuo.
She didn't hide the confusion on her face and was stunned for a moment before saying: "The master said that if it was Xu Shaoqing of Taipu Temple in the capital, the common people asked him for money when they founded the firearms workshop in Songjiang, hoping to buy Frankie Human artillery is imitated by my Ming craftsmen.”
When Zhou Zuo of Shang Dynasty saw that Zheng Haizhu had stopped talking, he said harmoniously: "If you dare not continue talking, it must be taboo for the venerable."
Zheng Haizhu knew what was going on.
She simply made a show of risking her life: "Master, that Xu Siqing, relying on the power in his hands, wants to bully the female gentleman in my school. Yes, that female gentleman once worked as a female envoy by the Qinhuai River, but she has already She resigned from her family and devoted herself to making pianos and teaching lessons. Even if she was still a red-blooded peasant and a pure peasant, what Xu Siqing did was disgusting. It is shameless to force a woman to use public money as bait, and it is a poisonous weed to the country. Moths, monsters and monsters!”
She could scold her vigorously, and Zhang Yanke beside her also showed an expression of first shock and then anger.
"That bitch!"
Zhang Yanke also said a Shaoxing curse word in his heart.
Xu Dahua, that bastard, actually wanted to bully his non-staff sister-in-law Wang Yuesheng.
If you think about it more carefully, Shang Zhou Zuo must know why Xu Dahua lost his position.
Alas, people who have reached the rank of governor are really deep in the city. At least now, I don't think of myself as a "nephew". Zuoyuan of Shang and Zhou Dynasties did not tell him everything.
However, Zhang Yanke quickly felt relieved.
Zheng Haizhu is safe. If Shang Zhouzuo had actually become a friend of Xu Dahua, he would not have called Zheng Haizhu to inquire about it today. He would have just dealt with the woman secretly after the negotiation with Minghe.
Sure enough, Shang Zhouzuo made a comforting gesture: "Miss Zheng, Wang Yushi and Zhang Shilang think so too."
Zheng Haizhu let out a sigh of relief.
That year in Shandong, when he met Wang Yaliang, the censor on the road, and later in Liaodong, when he was appreciated by Zhang Quan, Zheng Haizhu sued Xu Dahua in a clear manner.
If she didn't tell her openly, Xu Dahua would secretly punish her. The abolition of Xu Dahua in Songjiang was by no means the end of Zheng Haizhu's response to this matter.
A common man who cannot live as high as a temple can only speak out fiercely in the distance of the rivers and lakes.
At this moment, Zheng Haizhu did not hide his joy: "The military master, Xu Siqing, has been impeached?"
Shang Zhouzuo nodded: "Long live the Holy Ming, the imperial court has carefully observed that it is not all because of what you reported. The money from Taipus Temple was used to buy bad horses in the border town, and the few funds allocated to Honglu Temple were also extremely inappropriate. Chapter law. Let’s not talk about him. Miss Zheng, you are a loyal citizen of the country. Don’t lose heart in the firearms workshop in Songjiang. There should be great things to do in the future.”
Zheng Haizhu hurriedly knelt down and said: "If you can be encouraged by the master, we ordinary people will do our best. Zhejiang and Fujian are only a few feet away by sea and land. Songjiang has been opened and closed again. In the future, firearms will be transported from Songjiang to Fujian. It will be quite difficult." convenient."
Shang Zhouzuo pursed his lips.
This grassroots man is good, he won't play tricks in front of him, and he knows how to tell everything.
He is also smart, able to understand the deep meaning of words and take the initiative to answer questions.
I have to work in Fujian for several years. Who knows whether the Dutch will tear up the agreement next year and attack the city again. The Ming Navy still needs to be better equipped.
But I will not build a firearms factory within my jurisdiction, and I will not do anything that would cause political opponents to frame or find trouble.
Just ask the woman in front of you to buy it. Anyway, in Guangdong, Guangxi and Xiangchu, there is a precedent for the government to purchase firearms from private workshops.
Shang Zhouzuo then leaned back in the Taishi's chair: "Miss Zheng, I heard from Yan Ke that when you first arrived in the south of the Yangtze River, you stayed in the Han Mansion. The younger daughter Jinglan, Su Mu Songjiang's painting and embroidery, she left the court last year, and her husband is also ours Descendants from a prominent family in Shanyin. If the young couple goes to Songjiang to visit, could you please accompany them for a walk?"
If the leader entrusts you with personal matters, that means he does not exclude having friendship with you.
Zheng Haizhu agreed repeatedly.
After leaving the hotel, Zhang Yanke smiled and said: "Congratulations, Boss Zheng. Oh, your fireworks factory, oh no, the artillery factory. Every time I think about it, I am always worried, afraid that the court will regard you as rebels."
Zheng Haizhu said: "Now there are red-robed officials from south to north nodding their heads. Do you want to invest money?"
"Invest. My brother said that my uncle stated in the letter that he followed you and invested some money in Lu Fan's coal mine. Then my father and I will invest in your firearms factory."
"Okay, Third Young Master, please feel free. By the way, you still have to find an opportunity to ask Mr. Shang if you want to invest in his family and the in-laws' families. Or calculate it according to the batch of work. I will keep a separate account book. All is OK.”
Zhang Yanke understood and said again: "Miss Zheng, I appreciate your efforts to protect Yuesheng."
Zheng Haizhu's heart moved.
"By the way, Third Young Master, Miss Yuesheng likes to play the piano. Has she met any Zen masters who are good at playing the piano in Nanjing? If so, I will help her introduce some to her after I return to Songjiang."
Zhang Yanke thought for a moment and said, "My brother seemed to have accompanied her to the Zen monastery next to Biao Zhong Temple and had a competition with the master there."
"Zhongliang Temple? For whom was this Zhongliang Temple built?"
"Fang Xiaoru."
(End of volume seven, end of the first part of this book)
Thank you to all book friends for your continued support through subscriptions, rewards, and monthly passes. The second part of the book is mainly about the background of Tianqi years. I will continue to polish my work seriously.
